Instant film pack and image recording device

ABSTRACT

In a case that accommodates an instant film, an exposure opening portion, a discharge port, and a claw opening portion are provided. The exposure opening portion is light-shielded by a film cover that is disposed to overlap the instant film. The film cover includes a notched portion connected to the claw opening portion. In a case where the film cover is not removed in use, a claw inserted through the claw opening portion is moved within a range of the notched portion. In a case where the film cover is removed in use, the claw is moved within a range that exceeds the range of the notched portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of PCT International Application No.PCT/JP2016/085164 filed on Nov. 28, 2016, which claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119(a) to Patent Application No. 2016-033969 filed in Japan onFeb. 25, 2016, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated byreference into the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an instant film pack and an imagerecording device that uses the instant film pack.

2. Description of the Related Art

An instant film pack includes an instant film and a case thataccommodates the instant film. As the instant film pack, an instant filmpack that has an exposure opening portion (for example, JP-H07-209814A(JP1995-209814A), or the like), and an instant film pack that does nothave an exposure opening portion (for example, JP2005-77852A, or thelike) have been proposed. The exposure opening portion refers to anopening portion provided in a case to expose an exposure region of aninstant film accommodated in the case.

The instant film pack that is provided with the exposure opening portionis mainly used in an analog-type instant camera. The analog-type instantcamera refers to a camera of a type in which an image of a subject isformed on an exposure surface of an instant film using a lens to recordthe image of the subject on the instant film. In the analog-type instantcamera, the instant film is used in a state of being accommodated in acase. For this reason, the instant film pack used in the analog-typeinstant camera needs to have an exposure opening portion.

On the other hand, in the instant film pack that is not provided withthe exposure opening portion is mainly used in a printer. In theprinter, the instant film is extracted for use from a case. For thisreason, the instant film pack used in the printer does not need to havethe exposure opening portion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As described above, the instant film pack used in the analog-typeinstant camera needs to have the exposure opening portion. Thus, theinstant film pack that is not provided with the exposure opening portioncannot be used in the analog-type instant camera.

On the other hand, the presence or absence of the exposure openingportion does not matter in the printer. Accordingly, even the instantfilm pack that is provided with the exposure opening portion is usablein the printer as long as it can be mounted in the printer.

However, in a case where the instant film pack that is provided with theexposure opening portion is used in a printer, the following problemsoccur.

In order to prevent exposure of the instant film, a film cover isprovided in the instant film pack that is provided with the exposureopening portion. The film cover has a card shape, and is disposed tooverlap the instant film. The film cover is removed after the instantfilm pack is loaded in a device. For the removal, a discharge mechanismand a transport mechanism of the instant film provided in the device areused.

However, since the transport mechanism of the instant film provided inthe printer is designed on the premise of transport of the instant film,in a case where a film cover having a different stiffness, for example,is transported, it is not possible to appropriately transport theinstant film. That is, since the film cover has a stiffness higher thanthat of the instant film, in a case where the film cover is transportedusing a transportation mechanism for the instant film, a slip or thelike occurs, which leads to a cause of a jam, or the like.

Further, since the printer records an image while transporting theinstant film, a uniform accuracy is necessary for the transportation. Itis difficult to transport both of the instant film and the film coverwhile securing the uniform accuracy, and thus, there is a disadvantagethat its structure becomes complicated and large.

In consideration of the above-mentioned problems, an object of theinvention is to provide an instant film pack capable of employing bothof a form in which a film cover is removed in use and a form in which afilm cover is not removed in use, and an image recording device thatuses the instant film.

(1) According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided aninstant film pack comprising: an instant film; a case that accommodatesthe instant film, and includes an exposure opening portion for exposingan exposure region of the instant film, a discharge port for dischargingthe instant film, and a claw opening portion for inserting a claw; and afilm cover that is mounted in the case, shields light from the exposureopening portion, and includes a notched portion continuous to the clawopening portion.

According to this aspect of the invention, the notched portion isprovided at the film cover. The notched portion has a configuration inwhich the notched portion is connected to the claw opening portion. Theconfiguration in which the notched portion is connected to the clawopening portion refers to a configuration in which the notched portionand the claw opening portion are connected to each other in a statewhere the film cover is mounted. As a result of the configuration inwhich the notched portion continuous to the claw opening portion isprovided in the film cover, it is possible to provide an instant filmpack capable of employing both of a form in which the film cover isremoved in use and a form in which the film cover is not removed in use.For example, in a case where the film cover is not removed in use, theclaw inserted through the claw opening portion is moved within a rangeof the notched portion. Thus, it is possible to discharge the instantfilm in a state where the film cover is mounted. That is, it is possibleto use the film cover without being removed. In a case where the filmcover is removed in use, the claw is moved within a range that exceedsthe range of the notched portion. Thus, feeding is given to the filmcover from the claw, and the film cover is removed.

(2) In the instant film pack according to (1), the notched portion has awidth narrower than that of the claw opening portion.

According to this aspect of the invention, the width of the notchedportion is set to be narrower than the width of the claw openingportion. In a case where the film cover is not removed in use, a clawhaving a width capable of being inserted into the notched portion isused. In this case, the claw is moved within a range of the notchedportion. Thus, it is possible to discharge the instant film in a statewhere the film cover is mounted. On the other hand, in a case where thefilm cover is removed in use, a claw having a thickness greater than thewidth of the notched portion is used. Thus, since the claw may not beinserted into the notched portion, it is possible to discharge the filmcover using the claw.

(3) The instant film pack according to (1) or (2) further comprises: alight shielding member that shields light from the claw opening portionand the notched portion.

According to this aspect of the invention, the light shielding memberfor shielding the claw opening portion and the notched portion isprovided. Thus, it is possible to prevent the instant film from beingexposed through the claw opening portion and the notched portion.

(4) In the instant film pack according to (3), the light shieldingmember is configured to be capable of being cut, and is cut by the clawas the claw is inserted into the claw opening portion and the notchedportion.

According to this aspect of the invention, the light shielding member isconfigured to be able to be cut. In a case where the claw is insertedinto the claw opening portion and the notched portion, the lightshielding member is cut by the claw. The configuration in which thelight shielding member is able to be cut refers to a configuration inwhich the light shielding member is able to be cut by inserting the clawinto the claw opening portion and the notched portion. As such a lightshielding member, a metallic foil such as an aluminum foil may be used.

(5) In the instant film pack according to (3), the light shieldingmember is configured to be deformable, and is deformed by being pressedby the claw as the claw is inserted into the claw opening portion andthe notched portion.

According to this aspect of the invention, the light shielding member isconfigured to be deformable. As the claw is inserted into the clawopening portion and the notched portion, the light shielding member ispressed by the claw to be deformed. The configuration in which the lightshielding member is deformable refers to a configuration in which thelight shielding member is deformable by an operation of inserting theclaw into the claw opening portion and the notched portion. As the lightshielding member having such a configuration, a flexible resin film maybe used as an example.

(6) In the instant film pack according to (3), the light shieldingmember is configured to be movable, and is moved by being pressed by theclaw as the claw is inserted into the claw opening portion and thenotched portion.

According to this aspect of the invention, the light shielding member isprovided to be movable. As the claw is inserted into the claw openingportion and the notched portion, the light shielding member is pressedby the claw to be moved.

(7) In the instant film pack according to any one of (1) to (6), thefilm cover is disposed in the case, and is discharged through thedischarge port.

According to this aspect of the invention, the film cover is disposed inthe case. In discharge, the film cover is discharged through thedischarge port, in a similar way to the instant film.

(8) In the instant film pack according to (7), the film cover isdisposed to overlap the instant film.

According to this aspect of the invention, the film cover is disposed tooverlap the instant film in the case.

(9) According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided animage recording device comprising: a loading chamber in which theinstant film pack according to any one of (1) to (8) is loaded; adischarge section that discharges the instant film from the instant filmpack loaded in the loading chamber using the claw, the discharge sectiondischarging the instant film by inserting the claw into the case throughthe claw opening portion and moving the claw within a range of thenotched portion; a transport section that transports the instant filmdischarged by the discharge section; an image data acquisition sectionthat acquires image data; and an exposure head that records an imagerepresented by the image data on the instant film transported by thetransport section.

According to this aspect of the invention, the image recording device isconfigured as a printer. The image recording device is provided with theloading chamber in which the instant film pack is loaded, the dischargesection that discharges the instant film from the instant film packloaded in the loading chamber, the transport section that transports theinstant film discharged by the discharge section, and the exposure headthat records an image on the instant film transported by the transportsection. The image recording device discharges the instant film from theinstant film pack loaded in the loading chamber using the dischargesection, and records the image on the instant film using the exposurehead in a process in which the instant film is transported by thetransport section. The image recorded on the instant film is acquired bythe image data acquisition section. The discharge section discharges theinstant film from the instant film pack using the claw. Here, thedischarge section moves the claw within the range of the notched portionto discharge the instant film. Thus, it is possible to discharge theinstant film in a state where the film cover is mounted. Since the filmcover can be used in a state where the film cover is not removed, it isnot necessary to transport both of the film cover and the instant filmin the transport section, to thereby make it possible to simplify theconfiguration.

(10) The image recording device according to (9) further comprises: adigital camera section that captures an image using an image sensor, inwhich the image data acquisition section acquires image data generatedby the digital camera section.

According to this aspect of the invention, the digital camera section isfurther provided. By providing the digital camera section, it ispossible to record an image captured by the digital camera section onthe instant film. The digital camera section may be used as a so-calleddigital camera with a printer.

(11) According to still another aspect of the invention, there isprovided an image recording device comprising: a loading chamber inwhich the instant film pack according to any one of (1) to (8) isloaded; a discharge section that discharges the instant film and thefilm cover from the instant film pack loaded in the loading chamberusing the claw, and in a case where the film cover is discharged, thedischarge section discharges the film cover by inserting the claw intothe case through the claw opening portion and moving the claw within arange that exceeds a range of the notched portion; a lens that forms asubject image on the instant film of the instant film pack loaded in theloading chamber; and a transport section that transports the instantfilm and the film cover discharged by the discharge section.

According to this aspect of the invention, the image recording device isconfigured as an analog-type instant camera. The image recording deviceis provided with the loading chamber in which the instant film pack isloaded, and the lens that forms a subject image on the instant film ofthe instant film pack loaded in the loading chamber using the dischargesection and the transport section. In order to form the subject image onthe instant film, it is necessary to remove the film cover. The imagerecording device discharges the film cover to the outside of the device.The discharge section discharges the film cover by inserting the clawinto the case through the claw opening portion and moving the clawwithin a range that exceeds a range of the notched portion. Thetransport section transports the film cover discharged by the dischargesection to be discharged to the outside of the device. Here, thetransport section is commonly used for the instant film and the filmcover, but since imaging of the instant film is finished, high accuracyis not necessary for the transport. Accordingly, even in a case wherethe transport section is commonly used for the instant film and the filmcover, the transport section may have a simple configuration. Thedischarge section is also commonly used for the instant film and thefilm cover, but strokes of the claw may vary between a case where thefilm cover is discharged and a case where the instant film isdischarged.

(12) According to still another aspect of the invention, there isprovided an image recording device comprising: a loading chamber inwhich the instant film pack according to (2) is loaded; a dischargesection that discharges the instant film and the film cover from theinstant film pack loaded in the loading chamber using the claw having athickness greater than the width of the notched portion; a lens thatforms a subject image on the instant film of the instant film packloaded in the loading chamber; and a transport section that transportsthe instant film and the film cover discharged by the discharge section.

According to this aspect of the invention, the image recording device isconfigured as an analog-type instant camera. The image recording deviceis provided with the loading chamber in which the instant film pack isloaded, and the lens that forms a subject image on the instant film ofthe instant film pack loaded in the loading chamber. In order to formthe subject image on the instant film, it is necessary to remove thefilm cover. The image recording device discharges the film cover to theoutside of the device using the discharge section and the transportsection. The discharge section includes the claw having the thicknessgreater than the width of the notched portion, and inserts the claw inthe case through the claw opening portion to discharge the film cover.Since the claw has the thickness greater than the width of the notchedportion, the claw cannot enter the notched portion. Accordingly, even ina case where the claw is moved in the same stroke as the stroke in acase where the instant film is discharged, it is possible to dischargethe film cover.

According to the invention, it is possible to provide an instant filmpack capable of employing both of a configuration in which a film coveris removed in use and a configuration in which the film cover is notremoved in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an instant film pack.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the instant film pack.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the instant film pack.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the instant film pack.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the instant film pack.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an instant film seen from an exposure surfaceside.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the instant film seen from an observationsurface side.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a case body.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the case body.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the case body.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a case cover.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a first light shielding sheet.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a second light shielding sheet.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the instant film pack loaded in a loadingchamber.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a film cover.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of the film cover.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a dischargemechanism.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the dischargemechanism in a case where the film cover is not removed.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the dischargemechanism in a case where the film cover is removed in use.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the instant film pack.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an operation in a case where the filmcover is removed in use.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an operation in a case where the filmcover is not removed in use.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the instant film pack in a structure in whichan exposure opening portion is shielded from the outside of a case.

FIG. 25 is a plan view of the instant film pack in the structure inwhich the exposure opening portion is shielded from the outside of thecase.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a control system of the printer.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digitalcamera.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a control system of the digitalcamera.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an analog-typeinstant camera.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a control system of the analog-typeinstant camera.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer inwhich a film cover is removed in use.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing a control system of a printer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Instant Film Pack]

First Embodiment

<Structure of Instant Film Pack>

FIG. 1 is a front view of an instant film pack. FIG. 2 is a rear view ofthe instant film pack. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the instant film pack.FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the instant film pack. FIG. 5 is a sectionalview taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspectiveview of the instant film pack.

An instant film pack 1 includes an instant film 10, a case 20 thataccommodates the instant film 10, a light shielding sheet 50, and a filmcover 60.

<Instant Film>

The instant film 10 is a known self development type instant film, andhas a rectangular card shape. The instant film 10 has one side surfacethat is an exposure surface 10 a and the other side surface that is anobservation surface 10 b.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the instant film seen from the exposure surfaceside. In FIG. 7, a direction indicated using an arrow F is a feedingdirection of the instant film 10. The feeding direction F is the same asa usage direction of the instant film 10. In a case where the instantfilm 10 is accommodated in the case 20, the feeding direction of theinstant film 10 becomes a discharge direction of the instant film 10.

On the exposure surface 10 a, an exposure portion 12, a pod portion 14,and a trap portion 16 are provided. The exposure portion 12 is anexposure region, which is a rectangular region, and is disposed betweenthe pod portion 14 and the trap portion 16. The pod portion 14 isdisposed on a front end side of the instant film 10 in the feedingdirection F. In the pod portion 14, a development processing liquid pod14 a that contains a development processing liquid is provided. The trapportion 16 is disposed on a back end side of the instant film 10 in thefeeding direction F. An absorption material 16 a is provided in the trapportion 16.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the instant film seen from an observationsurface side. In FIG. 8, the direction indicated using the arrow F isthe feeding direction of the instant film 10.

On the observation surface 10 b, an observation portion 18 that is anobservation region of a captured image is provided. The observationportion 18 is disposed to correspond to the exposure portion 12 on theexposure surface side.

The instant film 10 is developed by spreading the development processingliquid of the pod portion 14 to the exposure portion 12 after exposure.As the instant film 10 passes through a space between a pair ofspreading rollers, the development processing liquid of the pod portion14 is squeezed out to be spread to the exposure portion 12. Here, thetrap portion 16 takes an excessive amount of development processingliquid to process development.

<Case>

The case 20 has a flat rectangular box shape, and accommodates aplurality of instant films 10 in a state of being laminated. As shown inFIG. 6, the case 20 includes a case body 22 and a case cover 24 thatblocks a rear surface of the case body 22.

[Case Body]

FIG. 9 is a front view of a case body. FIG. 10 is a plan view of thecase body. FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the case body. In FIG. 9, adirection indicated using an arrow f is a discharge direction of theinstant film 10.

The case body 22 has a flat rectangular box shape of which a rearsurface portion is opened. In the case body 22, an exposure openingportion 26 for exposing the exposure region of the instant film 10, adischarge port 28 for discharging the instant film 10, a case flapmember 30 for shielding the discharge port 28, and a claw openingportion 32 for inserting a claw are provided.

As shown in FIG. 9, the exposure opening portion 26 is provided in afront surface portion 22 a of the case body 22. The exposure openingportion 26 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the exposureportion 12 of the instant film 10. The exposure opening portion 26 isdisposed at a position where the exposure portion 12 of the instant film10 accommodated in the case 20 is exposed.

The discharge port 28 is provided on an upper surface portion 22 b ofthe case body 22, as shown in FIG. 10. The discharge port 28 has a slitshape having a size such that the instant film 10 can pass through. Thedischarge port 28 is disposed at a position where the instant film 10disposed at the topmost position in the laminating direction isdischargeable.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the case flap member 30 is formed of arectangular film piece. In FIG. 3, a region indicated by an oblique gridis a bonding region of the case flap member 30. The case flap member 30is bonded to the case body 22 along a long side on one side to shieldthe discharge port 28 to be able to be opened or closed.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the claw opening portion 32 is provided inthe front surface portion 22 a and a bottom portion 22 c of the casebody 22. The claw opening portion 32 has a slit shape, and is linearlydisposed in the front surface portion 22 a using the bottom portion 22 cas a base point. As shown in FIG. 11, in the bottom portion 22 c of thecase body 22, a notch-shaped inlet 32 a that forms a part of the clawopening portion 32 is provided. In the front surface portion 22 a of thecase body 22, a slit-shaped passage portion 32 b that forms the clawopening portion 32 is provided. The passage portion 32 b is linearlydisposed along the discharge direction f of the instant film 10. An endpoint of the passage portion 32 b becomes the exposure opening portion26. That is, the claw opening portion 32 is disposed in a form in whichthe bottom portion 22 c of the case body 22 and the exposure openingportion 26 are linearly connected to each other. The width of the clawopening portion 32 is such a width that the claw can be insertedtherein.

[Case Cover]

FIG. 12 is a front view of the case cover. In FIG. 12, the directionindicated using the arrow f is the discharge direction of the instantfilm 10.

The case cover 24 has a rectangular plate shape. The case cover 24 ismounted in a rear surface portion of the case body 22 to block theopened rear surface of the case body 22. In the case cover 24, a pair ofuplifting member inserting portions 36, a pair of film support portions38, and a pair of light shielding sheet mounting portions 40 areprovided.

The uplifting member inserting portions 36 are opening portions forinserting uplifting members. The uplifting members are members providedin a device that uses the instant film pack 1. In the device that usesthe instant film pack 1, a pair of film lifting members is provided in aloading chamber of the instant film pack 1 (see FIG. 17). In a casewhere the instant film pack 1 is loaded in the loading chamber, theuplifting members are inserted in the uplifting member insertingportions 36.

The film support portions 38 are support portions that support theinstant film pack 1 accommodated in the case 20. Each film supportportion 38 is formed of an arc shaped thin plate (see FIG. 6), and isdisposed inside the case cover 24 along a long side of the case cover 24on both sides. The instant film 10 accommodated in the case 20 issupported by the film support portions 38 in a convex shape.

The light shielding sheet mounting portions 40 are mounting portions ofthe light shielding sheet 50. The light shielding sheet mountingportions 40 are formed of cylindrical pins and are disposed in parallelat a central portion of the case cover 24.

<Light Shielding Sheet>

The light shielding sheet 50 supports the instant film 10 in the caseand shields light. As shown in FIG. 6, the light shielding sheet 50 isconfigured by combining a first light shielding sheet 52 having afunction as a plate spring and a second light shielding sheet 54 havinga function as a support plate.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the first light shielding sheet. In FIG. 13,the direction indicated using the arrow f is the discharge direction ofthe instant film 10.

The first light shielding sheet 52 has a card shape provided with cutportions 52 a on both sides. Since the first light shielding sheet 52functions as the plate spring, the first light shielding sheet 52 isconfigured to be elastically deformable. The cut portions 52 a on theopposite sides are provided so that the first light shielding sheet 52is easily bent along a length direction. The first light shielding sheet52 is provided with a pair of fixing portions 52 b in a central portionthereof. Each fixing portion 52 b is configured of a circular hole.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the second light shielding sheet. In FIG. 14,the direction indicated using the arrow f is the discharge direction ofthe instant film 10.

The second light shielding sheet 54 has a rectangular card shape. Sincethe second light shielding sheet 54 functions as the support plate, thesecond light shielding sheet 54 has stiffness with respect to the firstlight shielding sheet 52. The instant films 10 are laminated andsupported on the second light shielding sheet 54.

The first light shielding sheet 52 and the second light shielding sheet54 are bonded to each other at one end in the length direction forintegration. In FIG. 13, a region indicated by an oblique grid is abonding region. The first light shielding sheet 52 and the second lightshielding sheet 54 are bonded to each other along one end side in thelength direction for integration.

The light shielding sheet 50 obtained by integrating the first lightshielding sheet 52 and the second light shielding sheet 54 is mounted onthe case cover 24 by inserting the fixing portions 52 b of the firstlight shielding sheet 52 into the light shielding sheet mountingportions 40 of the case cover 24 and then bonding the inserted portions.The light shielding sheet 50 mounted on the case cover 24 is disposedbetween the pair of film support portions 38.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the instant film pack loaded in theloading chamber.

As described above, in a case where the instant film pack 1 is loaded inthe loading chamber, the uplifting members 224 are inserted into theuplifting member inserting portions 36. The light shielding sheet 50 ispressed by the uplifting members inserted in the uplifting memberinserting portions 36 to press the instant film 10 onto an inner surfaceof the case 20. Here, the first light shielding sheet 52 is elasticallydeformed to elastically press the instant film 10 to be pressed on theinner surface of the case 20.

<Film Cover>

The film cover 60 shields light from the exposure opening portion 26.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the film cover. FIG. 17 is a rear view of thefilm cover. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the direction indicated using the arrowF is the feeding direction of the film cover 60. The direction is adirection in which the film cover 60 is discharged from the case.

The film cover 60 has a rectangular card shape that is approximately thesame as that of the instant film 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the film cover60 is disposed to overlap the topmost instant film among the laminatedinstant films 10, and is accommodated in the case 20.

In the film cover 60, a notched portion 62 and a film cover skirt member64 are provided.

The notched portion 62 has a slit shape, and is provided in a back endportion of the film cover 60. The notched portion 62 is disposed alongthe feeding direction of the film cover 60. A position where the notchedportion 62 is disposed is set as the same position as that of the clawopening portion 32. Thus, in a case where the film cover 60 isaccommodated in the case 20, the notched portion 62 is disposed to beconnected to the claw opening portion 32. The notched portion 62 has thesame width as that of the claw opening portion 32. The same widthincludes approximately the same width.

The film cover skirt member 64 is an example of a light shieldingmember, and is mounted on the film cover 60 to shield light from theclaw opening portion 32 and the notched portion 62. The film cover skirtmember 64 is configured of a rectangular sheet piece. The film coverskirt member 64 is mounted on a rear surface portion of the film cover60 to shield the notched portion 62. Here, the film cover skirt member64 is mounted so that a part thereof protrudes from the film cover 60.The protruding portion functions as a skirt portion 64 a for shieldingthe inlet 32 a of the claw opening portion 32. In a case where the filmcover 60 is accommodated in the case 20, the inlet 32 a of the clawopening portion 32 is shielded by the skirt portion 64 a, so that lightfrom the inlet 32 a is shielded.

The film cover skirt member 64 is formed of a material capable of beingcut by a claw. That is, the film cover skirt member 64 is formed of amaterial capable of being cut by an inserting operation of the claw. Assuch a material, a metallic foil such as an aluminum foil having a lightshielding characteristic may be used.

The film cover skirt member 64 may be mounted on the film cover 60through bonding. Further, the film cover 60 mounted in the case 20 isfixed as the skirt portion 64 a of the film cover skirt member 64 isbonded to the inner surface of the case 20.

<Assembly of Instant Film Pack>

The instant film pack 1 is assembled by accommodating the film cover 60and the instant film 10 in the case body 22 and then closing the rearsurface of the case body 22 using the case cover 24.

Here, first, the film cover 60 is accommodated in the case body 22.Further, the skirt portion 64 a of the film cover skirt member 64 isbonded to the inner surface of the case 20. Thus, the exposure openingportion 26 and the claw opening portion 32 are shielded by the filmcover 60.

Then, the instant films 10 are accommodated in the case body 22 in astate of being laminated. The instant films 10 are laminated with theexposure surfaces 10 a being directed upward. Further, the instant films10 are accommodated in the case body 22 with the exposure surfaces 10 abeing directed toward the exposure opening portion.

Thus, in a state where the film cover 60 is mounted on the exposuresurface 10 a of the instant film 10 located at the topmost position, thefilm cover 60 and the instant film 10 are accommodated in the case body22. Then, the rear surface of the case body 22 is closed using the casecover 24.

Hence, the assembly of the instant film pack 1 is completed.

<Operation of Instant Film Pack>

The instant film pack 1 may have both of a configuration in which thefilm cover 60 is removed in use, and a configuration in which the filmcover 60 is not removed in use.

The configuration in which the film cover 60 is not removed in use meansa configuration in which the instant film pack 1 is loaded in a deviceand is then used in a state where the film cover 60 is mounted. That is,this configuration refers to a configuration in which the instant film10 is discharged from the case 20 in use in a state where the film cover60 is mounted. In this case, the instant film 10 is extracted from thecase 20 to be exposed.

On the other hand, the configuration in which the film cover 60 isremoved in use means a configuration in which the instant film pack 1 isloaded in the device and then the film cover 60 is removed in use. Theconfiguration in which the film cover 60 is removed in use means theconfiguration in which the film cover 60 is discharged in use. In thiscase, the instant film 10 is used in a state of being loaded in the case20. That is, exposure is performed inside the case. Further, after theexposure, the film cover 60 is discharged from the case 20. The exposureis performed with respect to the instant film 10 at the topmost positioninside the case.

The discharge of the instant film 10 may be performed using a dischargemechanism on the device side. The discharge mechanism discharges theinstant film 10 and the film cover 60 from the case 20 using a claw.

<Discharge Mechanism>

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the dischargemechanism. In FIG. 18, the direction indicated using the arrow f is thedischarge direction of the instant film.

A discharge mechanism 100 includes a claw 110, and a claw drivingsection 112 that drives the claw 110 along the discharge direction ofthe instant film 10.

The claw 110 is configured of a plate piece having a hook claw shape.The claw 110 has an insertion portion 110 a. The insertion portion 110 ais a portion that is inserted between the instant film 10 and theinstant film 10 or between the film cover 60 and the instant film 10 indischarge. The claw 110 is configured so that the insertion portion 110a is inserted between the instant film 10 and the instant film 10 orbetween the film cover 60 and the instant film 10, an end portion of theinstant film 10 or the film cover 60 comes into contact with a bottomportion of a concave portion 110 b, and in this state, the instant film10 or the film cover 60 is discharged from the case 20.

The claw driving section 112 moves the claw 110 along the dischargedirection of the instant film 10 and the film cover 60. The claw drivingsection 112 includes a motor, and a power transmission mechanism thatconverts rotation of the motor into linear motion and transmits thelinear motion to the claw.

<Discharge Operation of Instant Film and Film Cover in DischargeMechanism>

As described above, the instant film pack 1 of this embodiment may haveboth of the configuration in which the film cover 60 is removed in use,and the configuration in which the film cover 60 is not removed in use.

Between the configuration in which the film cover 60 is removed in useand the configuration in which the film cover 60 is not removed in use,discharge operations in the discharge mechanism 100 are different fromeach other. Specifically, strokes for moving the claw 110 are differentfrom each other. Hereinafter, the discharge operations of the instantfilm 10 in the configuration in which the film cover 60 is removed inuse and the configuration in which the film cover 60 is not removed inuse will be respectively described.

(1) In a Case where a Film Cover is not Removed in Use

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a discharge mechanismin a case where the film cover is not removed.

In a case where the film cover 60 is not removed in use, the insertionportion 110 a of the claw 110 is inserted between the first instant film10 and the second instant film 10, and the claw 110 is moved in a firststroke.

Here, the first stroke refers to a stroke that is set so that the claw110 is moved within a range that does not exceed a range x of thenotched portion 62 provided in the film cover 60.

As shown in FIG. 19, the film cover 60 accommodated in the case 20 isdisposed so that the notched portion 62 overlaps the claw openingportion 32. As a result, in a case where the claw 110 is inserted intothe claw opening portion 32, the claw 110 is inserted into the notchedportion 62. Further, in the range x of the notched portion 62, as shownin FIG. 19, the claw 110 moves inside the case 20 without coming incontact with the film cover 60. As a result, it is possible to dischargeonly the instant film 10 from the case 20 without pressing out the filmcover 60 using the claw 110.

In a case where the claw 110 is moved within a range that exceeds therange x of the notched portion 62, the claw 110 comes into contact withthe film cover 60. Accordingly, in a case where the claw 110 is movedwhile exceeding the range x of the notched portion 62, the film cover 60is pressed out by the claw 110.

Accordingly, in a case where the film cover 60 is not removed in use,the insertion portion 110 a of the claw 110 is inserted between thefirst instant film 10 and the second instant film 10, and the claw 110is moved within a range that does not exceed the notched portion 62.Thus, it is possible to discharge the instant film 10 in a state wherethe film cover 60 is mounted.

(2) In a Case where the Film Cover is Removed in Use

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the dischargemechanism in a case where the film cover is removed in use.

In a case where the film cover 60 is removed, the insertion portion 110a of the claw 110 is inserted between the film cover 60 and the firstinstant film 10, and the claw 110 is moved in a second stroke.

Here, the second stroke refers to a stroke that is set so that the claw110 is moved within a range that exceeds the range x of the notchedportion 62 provided in the film cover 60.

As described above, in a case where the claw 110 is inserted into theclaw opening portion 32, the claw 110 is inserted into the notchedportion 62. Further, in the range x of the notched portion 62, the claw110 moves inside the case 20 without coming in contact with the filmcover 60. As a result, in the range x of the notched portion 62, theclaw 110 moves inside the case without pressing out the film cover 60.

On the other hand, in a case where the claw 110 is moved within a rangethat exceeds the range x of the notched portion 62, as shown in FIG. 20,the film cover 60 comes into contact with the bottom portion of theconcave portion 110 b of the claw 110, and the film cover 60 is pressedout by the claw 110.

Accordingly, in a case where the film cover 60 is removed, the insertionportion 110 a of the claw 110 is inserted between the film cover 60 andthe first instant film 10, and the claw 110 is moved within a range thatexceeds the notched portion 62. Thus, it is possible to discharge thefilm cover 60 from the case 20.

The film cover 60 pressed out by the claw 110 is discharged through thedischarge port 28, in a similar way to the instant film 10.

The above-described operation is an operation in a case where the filmcover 60 is discharged. Here, in a case where the instant film 10 isdischarged, the claw 110 may be moved in a stroke shorter than thesecond stroke. That is, after the film cover 60 is discharged, the claw110 may be moved in a stroke capable of discharging the instant film 10.

As described above, the instant film pack 1 of this embodiment may haveboth of the configuration in which the film cover 60 is removed in use,and the configuration in which the film cover 60 is not removed in use.

The claw opening portion 32 and the notched portion 62 are shielded bythe film cover skirt member 64, but since the film cover skirt member 64is formed of a material capable of being cut by the claw 110, the filmcover skirt member 64 is cut when the claw 110 is inserted into the clawopening portion 32.

Second Embodiment

<Structure of Instant Film Pack>

FIG. 21 is a front view of an instant film pack.

In an instant film pack 1α of this embodiment, a width w1 of the clawopening portion 32 provided in the case 20 and a width w2 of the notchedportion 62 provided in the film cover 60 are different from each other.The other configurations are the same as in the instant film pack 1 inthe first embodiment. Accordingly, only different points will bedescribed hereinafter.

In the instant film pack 1α of this embodiment, the width w2 of thenotched portion 62 provided in the film cover 60 is set to be narrowerthan the width w1 of the claw opening portion 32 provided in the case20.

<Operation of Instant Film Pack>

In the instant film pack 1α of this embodiment, a claw to be used in acase where the film cover 60 is removed in use and a claw to be used incase where the film cover 60 is not removed in use are different fromeach other.

(1) In a Case where the Film Cover is Removed in Use

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an operation in a case where the filmcover is removed in use.

In a case where the film cover 60 is removed in use, a claw that is notcapable of being inserted into the notched portion 62 of the film cover60 is used. The claw is referred to as a first claw 110α.

The first claw 110α is configured of a claw having a thickness that isgreater than the width w2 of the notched portion 62 and is smaller thanthe width w1 of the claw opening portion 32. That is, the first claw110α is configured of a claw that satisfies a relationship of w2<t1<w1where the thickness is t1.

In a case where the film cover 60 is removed, an insertion portion 110aα of the first claw 110α is inserted between the film cover 60 and thefirst instant film 10, and the first claw 110α is moved in apredetermined stroke. Here, the stroke is set to such an amount that thefilm cover 60 can be discharged from the case 20.

As described above, the first claw 110α has the thickness t1 greaterthan the width w2 of the notched portion 62. Accordingly, even thoughthe first claw 110α is inserted into the claw opening portion 32, thefirst claw 110α cannot enter the notched portion 62. As a result, thefilm cover 60 is pressed out by the first claw 110α, and is thendischarged from the case 20.

Similarly, in a case where the instant film 10 is discharged, the firstclaw 110α is moved in a predetermined stroke. Thus, the instant film 10can be discharged from the case 20.

(2) In a Case where the Film Cover is not Removed in Use

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an operation in a case where the filmcover is not removed in use.

In a case where the film cover 60 is not removed in use, a claw that iscapable of being inserted into the notched portion 62 of the film cover60 is used. The claw is referred to as a second claw 110β.

The second claw 110β is configured of a claw having a thickness that issmaller than the width w2 of the notched portion 62. That is, the secondclaw 110β is configured of a claw that satisfies a relationship of t2<w2where the thickness is t2.

In a case where the instant film 10 is discharged, an insertion portion110β of the second claw 110β is inserted between the first instant film10 and the second instant film 10, and the second claw 110β is moved ina predetermined stroke. Here, the stroke is set to a range that does notexceed the range x of the notched portion 62 provided in the film cover60.

As described above, the second claw 110β has the thickness t2 smallerthan the width w2 of the notched portion 62. Accordingly, in a casewhere the second claw 110β is inserted into the claw opening portion 32,the second claw 110β is inserted into the notched portion 62. Thus, itis possible to selectively discharge only the instant film 10 withoutpressing out the film cover 60.

As described above, the instant film pack 1α of this embodiment may haveboth of the configuration in which the film cover 60 is removed in use,and the configuration in which the film cover 60 is not removed in use.

[Modification Example of Instant Film Pack]

<Modification Example of Light Shielding Member>

In the above-described embodiments, a configuration in which the filmcover skirt member that is a light shielding member that shields lightfrom the claw opening portion and the notched portion can be cut isshown, but the configuration of the light shielding member is notlimited thereto.

For example, a configuration in which the film cover skirt member thatis the light shielding member is configured of a flexible sheet materialsuch as a resin film to be deformable may be used. In this case, thefilm cover skirt member is deformed by being pressed by a claw byinserting the claw into the claw opening portion and the notchedportion.

Further, a structure in which the claw opening portion and the notchedportion are opened or closed in a sliding door shape may be used. Forexample, a structure in which a sheet-shaped light shielding member isprovided to be moved in a sliding manner in the claw opening portion andthe notched portion and slides to open or close the claw opening portionand the notched portion may also be used. Alternatively, a structure inwhich a light shielding member is stretched or contracted in a bellowsshape to open or close the claw opening portion and the notched portionmay also be used.

<Modification Example of Light Shielding Structure in Film Cover>

In the above embodiments, a structure in which the film cover isdisposed to overlap the instant film in the case and the exposureopening portion is shielded from the inside of a case is shown, but thestructure in which the exposure opening portion is shielded is notlimited thereto.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the instant film pack in a structure in whichthe exposure opening portion is shielded from the outside of the case.FIG. 25 is a plan view thereof. In FIGS. 24 and 25, the directionindicated using the arrow f is the discharge direction of the instantfilm 10.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the case 20 in this example is providedwith a film cover mounting portion 34 in the front surface portion 22 aof the case body 22.

The film cover mounting portion 34 is configured of a pair of rails 34 adisposed along the discharge direction f. The film cover 60 is insertedinto the pair of rails 34 a to thereby be mounted to the case 20. Theexposure opening portion 26 of the case 20 is covered and shielded bythe film cover 60 from the outside of the case 20.

[Image Recording Device]

Next, an image recording device that records an image on an instant filmusing the instant film pack will be described.

<Printer>

<Configuration>

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer. InFIG. 26, the direction indicated by the arrow f is the dischargedirection of the instant film 10. FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing acontrol system of the printer.

A printer 200 is an example of the image recording device, and recordsan image acquired from an external device or the like on the instantfilm 10 using the instant film pack 1. Particularly, the printer 200 inthis example is a printer of a type in which an image is recorded by asingle pass using a line-type exposure head. The printer 200 includes ahousing 210 in which a light shielding characteristic is secured, aloading chamber 220 in which the instant film pack 1 is loaded, adischarge section 230 that discharges the instant film 10 from theinstant film pack 1 loaded in the loading chamber 220, a transportsection 240 that transports the instant film 10 discharged by thedischarge section 230, an image data acquisition section 250 thatacquires image data of an image to be recorded on the instant film 10, aprint data generator 260 that generates image data for printing, arecording section 270 that records the image on the instant film 10transported by the transport section 240, an operating section 280, adisplay section 290, a storage section 300, and a controller 310.

The loading chamber 220 is provided in the housing 210 as a concaveportion capable of accommodating the instant film pack 1. The instantfilm pack 1 is loaded in the loading chamber 220 with the exposureopening portion 26 being directed toward a bottom surface of the loadingchamber 220. In a case where the instant film pack 1 is loaded in theloading chamber 220, the instant film pack 1 is positioned at apredetermined position.

The loading chamber 220 has a loading chamber cover 222, and is openedor closed by the loading chamber cover 222. The loading chamber cover222 is provided with uplifting members 224. In a case where the instantfilm pack 1 is loaded in the loading chamber 220 and the loading chambercover 222 is closed, the uplifting members 224 are inserted into theuplifting member inserting portions 36 of the instant film pack 1. Thus,the instant film 10 in the case is pressed by the uplifting members 224to be pressed against an inner surface of the case 20.

The discharge section 230 discharges the instant film 10 from theinstant film pack 1 loaded in the loading chamber 220 one by one. Aconfiguration of the discharge section 230 is the same as that of theabove-described discharge mechanism 100 of the instant film 10. That is,the discharge section 230 includes a claw 232, and a claw drivingsection 234 that moves the claw 232 along the discharge direction of theinstant film 10. The discharge section 230 discharges the instant film10 from the case 20 by inserting the claw 232 through the claw openingportion 32 with respect to the instant film pack 1 loaded in the loadingchamber 220 and pressing out the instant film 10 in the case using theclaw 232. Here, the claw 232 is moved within a range of the notchedportion 62 to discharge the instant film 10. Thus, it is possible todischarge only the instant film in a state where the film cover 60 ismounted.

In a case where the instant film pack al of the second embodiment isused, a claw having a thickness capable of being inserted into thenotched portion 62 is used as the claw 232.

The transport section 240 transports the instant film 10 discharged fromthe case 20 by the discharge section 230 at a predetermined speed, andspreads a development processing liquid in the transport process. Thetransport section 240 includes a transport roller pair 242, a transportroller pair driving section 244 that drives the transport roller pair242 to be rotatable, a spreading roller pair 246, and a spreading rollerpair driving section 248 that drives the spreading roller pair 246 to berotatable.

The transport roller pair 242 includes a transport driving roller 242 aand a transport driven roller 242 b. The transport roller pair 242 isconfigured so that the instant film 10 is sandwiched by the transportdriving roller 242 a and the transport driven roller 242 b. Thetransport driving roller 242 a is configured to come in contact withonly both sides of the instant film 10.

The transport roller pair driving section 244 includes a motor, and arotation transmission mechanism that transmits rotation of the motor tothe transport driving roller 242 a.

The spreading roller pair 246 is disposed on a downstream side of thetransport roller pair 242 in a transport direction of the instant film10. The spreading roller pair 246 includes a spreading driving roller246 a and a spreading driven roller 246 b. The spreading roller pair 246transports the instant film 10 with the instant film 10 being sandwichedby the spreading driving roller 246 a and the spreading driven roller246 b. Further, the spreading roller pair 246 squeezes out the podportion 14 of the instant film 10 in the transport process to spread thedevelopment processing liquid.

The spreading roller pair driving section 248 includes a motor, and arotation transmission mechanism that transmits rotation of the motor tothe spreading driving roller 246 a.

The image data acquisition section 250 acquires image data of an imagerecorded on the instant film 10. The image data acquisition section 250communicates with an external device such as a digital camera, asmartphone, or a mobile phone in a wired or wireless manner, andacquires image data of the image recorded on the instant film 10. Thecommunication method is not particularly limited.

Further, the image data acquisition section 250 has a card slot (notshown), and acquires image data to be recorded on the instant film 10from a memory card loaded in the card slot.

The print data generator 260 generates print data that is image data forprinting from image data acquired by the image data acquisition section250. That is, the print data generator 260 converts the image data intoa data format capable of being recorded in the recording section 270.

The recording section 270 records an image on the instant film 10 on thebasis of print data generated by the print data generator 260. Therecording section 270 includes an exposure head 272, and an exposurehead driving section 274 that drives the exposure head 272. The exposurehead 272 is disposed on an upstream side of the transport roller pair242 in the transport direction of the instant film 10. The exposure head272 is configured of a line-type exposure head, and irradiates theexposure surface 10 a of the instant film 10 transported by thetransport roller pair 242 with print light line by line to record theimage on the instant film 10. The exposure head driving section 274drives the exposure head 272 on the basis of the print data.

The operating section 280 is provided to perform various operations withrespect to the printer 200. The operating section 280 includes anoperating member such as an operating button, and outputs informationbased on an operation of the operating member to the controller 310.

The display section 290 displays an image to be recorded on the instantfilm 10. Further, the display section 290 displays a setting of theprinter 200, an operating status, a warning, or the like. The displaysection 290 includes a display configured of a liquid crystal display(LCD) or the like, and a drive circuit thereof, for example.

The storage section 300 stores image data acquired from the image dataacquisition section 250. The storage section 300 includes a non-volatilememory and a drive circuit thereof.

The controller 310 generally controls the entire operations of theprinter 200. The controller 310 is configured of a microcomputer, forexample.

<Operation>

In order to prevent exposure of the instant film 10, the instant filmpack 1 is loaded in the loading chamber 220 in a state where the filmcover 60 is mounted. In the printer 200, the instant film pack 1 is usedin a state where the film cover 60 is not removed. Accordingly, eventhough the instant film pack 1 is loaded in the loading chamber 220, thedischarge process of the film cover 60 is not performed.

In a case where image data of an image to be recorded on the instantfilm 10 is acquired by the image data acquisition section 250 and aprinting instruction is given through the operating section 280, aprinting process is started.

First, print data of an image to be printed is generated by the printdata generator 260.

Then, the discharge section 230 is driven, and then, one instant film 10is discharged from the case 20. The discharged instant film 10 is theinstant film 10 disposed at the topmost position in the case in thelaminating direction. The discharge section 230 moves the claw 232 alongthe discharge direction, and causes the claw 232 to enter the case, tothereby discharge the instant film 10. The claw 232 enters the casethrough the claw opening portion 32 of the case 20, and presses out theinstant film 10 in the case through the discharge port 28. Here, theclaw 232 is moved within a range of the notched portion 62 of the filmcover 60 to press out the instant film 10. Thus, in a state where thefilm cover 60 is mounted, only the instant film can be discharged.

In synchronization with the discharge of the instant film 10 using thedischarge section 230, the transport section 240 is driven. Thetransport section 240 receives the instant film 10 discharged throughthe discharge port 28 of the case 20, and transports the instant film 10at a predetermined speed. In synchronization with the transport, theexposure head 272 is driven, and the image is recorded on the instantfilm 10.

The instant film 10 on which the image is recorded is spread by adevelopment processing liquid by the spreading roller pair 246 to bedeveloped in a process of being transported by the transport section240. Further, the developed instant film 10 is discharged from thehousing 210.

As described above, according to the printer 200 of this embodiment, itis possible to record an image on the instant film 10 withoutdischarging the film cover 60. Thus, it is possible to simplify aconfiguration of the transport section 240, and to record a high-qualityimage with a compact configuration.

<Digital Camera>

<Configuration>

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digitalcamera. In FIG. 28, the direction indicated using the arrow f is thedischarge direction of the instant film 10. FIG. 29 is a block diagramshowing a control system of the digital camera.

A digital camera 400 is an example of an image recording device, andrecords a captured image on the instant film 10 using the instant filmpack 1.

The digital camera 400 is configured as a digital camera with a printer.That is, the digital camera 400 includes a printer section and a digitalcamera section. A configuration of the printer section is the same as inthe above-described printer 200. Accordingly, a configuration of thedigital camera section will be described hereinafter.

The digital camera section includes a lens section 420, a lens drivingsection 430, an image sensor 440, an image sensor driving section 450,and an image data generator 460.

The lens section 420 is provided on a front surface of the housing 210.The lens section 420 includes an imaging lens 422 that causes a subjectimage to be formed on a light-receiving surface of the image sensor 440,a stop 424 that adjusts the intensity of light passing through theimaging lens 422, and a shutter 426 that adjusts an exposure time. Theimaging lens 422 includes a focus lens, and adjusts a focus by movingback and forth the focus lens along an optical axis.

The lens driving section 430 drives the lens section 420 according to acommand from the controller 310. That is, the lens driving section 430moves back and forth the focus lens along the optical axis. Further, thelens driving section 430 expands or contracts the diameter of the stop424. In addition, the lens driving section 430 opens or closes theshutter 426.

The image sensor 440 is configured of a two-dimensional solid imagepickup element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or acomplementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.

The image sensor driving section 450 drives the image sensor 440according to a command from the controller 310.

The image data generator 460 performs a predetermined process withrespect to a signal output from the image sensor 440 to generate digitalimage data.

The operating section 280 includes a shutter button that is imaginginstruction means. Further, the display section 290 is provided with amain display that displays a live view image and a captured image. Themain display is provided on a rear surface of the housing 210.

<Operation>

In order to prevent exposure of the instant film 10, the instant filmpack 1 is loaded in the loading chamber 220 in a state where the filmcover 60 is mounted. In the digital camera 400, the instant film pack 1is used in a state where the film cover 60 is not removed. Accordingly,even though the instant film pack 1 is loaded in the loading chamber220, the discharge process of the film cover 60 is not performed.

In a case where an imaging instruction is given through the operatingsection 280, an image is captured by the image sensor 440. A signaloutput from the image sensor 440 is inserted into the image datagenerator 460, and a predetermined signal processing is performed. Thus,image data of the captured image is generated. Then, the generated imagedata is provided to the print data generator 260, and predeterminedsignal processing is performed. Thus, print data of the captured imageis generated.

In a case where the generation of the print data is completed, thedischarge section 230 is driven, and one instant film 10 is dischargedfrom the case 20. The discharged instant film 10 is the instant film 10disposed at the topmost position in the case in the laminatingdirection. The discharge section 230 moves the claw 232 in the dischargedirection, and causes the claw 232 to enter the case, to therebydischarge the instant film 10. The claw 232 enters the case through theclaw opening portion 32 of the case 20, and presses out the instant film10 in the case through the discharge port 28. Here, the claw 232 ismoved within a range of the notched portion 62 of the film cover 60 topress out the instant film 10. Thus, in a state where the film cover 60is mounted, only the instant film can be discharged.

In synchronization with the discharge of the instant film 10 using thedischarge section 230, the transport section 240 is driven. Thetransport section 240 receives the instant film 10 discharged throughthe discharge port 28 of the case 20, and transports the instant film 10at a predetermined speed. In synchronization with the transport, theexposure head 272 is driven, and the image is recorded on the instantfilm 10.

The instant film 10 on which the image is recorded is spread by adevelopment processing liquid by the spreading roller pair 246 to bedeveloped in a process of being transported by the transport section240. Further, the developed instant film 10 is discharged from thehousing 210.

As described above, according to the digital camera 400 of thisembodiment, it is possible to record an image on the instant film 10without discharging the film cover 60. Thus, it is possible to simplifya configuration of the transport section 240, and to record ahigh-quality image with a compact configuration.

The image data of the captured image is stored in the storage section300 as necessary.

<Analog-Type Instant Camera>

An analog-type instant camera is an example of an image recordingdevice, and is a camera of a type in which an image of a subject isformed on an exposure surface of an instant film using a lens to recordthe image of the subject on the instant film.

<Configuration>

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of theanalog-type instant camera. In FIG. 30, the direction indicated usingthe arrow f is the discharge direction of the instant film 10. FIG. 31is a block diagram showing a control system of the analog-type instantcamera.

An analog-type instant camera 500 includes a housing 510 in which alight shielding characteristic is secured, a loading chamber 520 inwhich the instant film pack 1 is loaded, a discharge section 530 thatdischarges the instant film 10 from the instant film pack 1 loaded inthe loading chamber 520, a transport section 540 that transports theinstant film 10 discharged by the discharge section 530, a lens section550, a lens driving section 560, an operating section 570, a displaysection 580, and a controller 590.

The loading chamber 520 is provided in the housing 510 as a concaveportion capable of accommodating the instant film pack 1. The instantfilm pack 1 is loaded in the loading chamber 520 with the exposureopening portion 26 being directed toward a bottom surface of the loadingchamber 520. In a case where the instant film pack 1 is loaded in theloading chamber 520, the instant film pack 1 is positioned at apredetermined position.

The loading chamber 520 has a loading chamber cover 522, and is openedor closed by the loading chamber cover 522. The loading chamber cover522 is provided with uplifting members 524. In a case where the instantfilm pack 1 is loaded in the loading chamber 520 and the loading chambercover 522 is closed, the uplifting members 524 are inserted into theuplifting member inserting portions 36 of the instant film pack 1. Thus,the instant film 10 in the case is pressed by the uplifting members 524to be pressed against an inner surface of the case 20.

The discharge section 530 discharges the instant film 10 from theinstant film pack 1 loaded in the loading chamber 520 one by one. Aconfiguration of the discharge section 530 is the same as that of theabove-described discharge mechanism 100 of the instant film 10. That is,the discharge section 530 includes a claw 532, and a claw drivingsection 534 that moves the claw 532 along the discharge direction of theinstant film 10. The discharge section 530 discharges the instant film10 from the case 20 by inserting the claw 532 through the claw openingportion 32 with respect to the instant film pack 1 loaded in the loadingchamber 520 and pressing out the instant film 10 in the case using theclaw 532. Further, the claw 532 is inserted into the instant film pack 1loaded in the loading chamber 520 through the claw opening portion 32,and the film cover 60 in the case is pressed out by the claw 532, andthus, the film cover 60 is discharged from the case 20.

Here, in a case where the film cover 60 is discharged, the dischargesection 530 moves the claw 532 within a range exceeding the notchedportion 62. Thus, the film cover 60 can be discharged by the claw 532.

In a case where the instant film 10 is discharged, the claw 532 is movedin a stroke shorter than that in the case of the film cover 60. That is,it is possible to move the claw 532 within a range where the instantfilm 10 can be delivered to the transport section 540.

The transport section 540 transports the instant film 10 discharged fromthe case 20 by the discharge section 530 and the film cover 60. Withrespect to the instant film 10, a development processing liquid isspread in the transport process. The transport section 540 includes atransport roller pair 542, a transport roller pair driving section 544that drives the transport roller pair 542 to be rotatable, a spreadingroller pair 546, and a spreading roller pair driving section 548 thatdrives the spreading roller pair 546 to be rotatable.

The transport roller pair 542 includes a transport driving roller 542 aand a transport driven roller 542 b. The transport roller pair 542 isconfigured so that the instant film 10 is sandwiched by the transportdriving roller 542 a and the transport driven roller 542 b. Thetransport driving roller 542 a is configured to come into contact withonly both sides of the instant film 10.

The transport roller pair driving section 544 includes a motor, and arotation transmission mechanism that transmits rotation of the motor tothe transport driving roller 542 a.

The spreading roller pair 546 is disposed on a downstream side of thetransport roller pair 542 in a transport direction of the instant film10. The spreading roller pair 546 includes a spreading driving roller546 a and a spreading driven roller 546 b. The spreading roller pair 546transports the instant film 10 with the instant film 10 being sandwichedby the spreading driving roller 546 a and the spreading driven roller546 b. Further, the spreading roller pair 546 squeezes out the podportion 14 of the instant film 10 in the transport process to spread thedevelopment processing liquid.

The spreading roller pair driving section 548 includes a motor, and arotation transmission mechanism that transmits rotation of the motor tothe spreading driving roller 546 a.

The lens section 550 is provided on a front surface of the housing 510.The lens section 550 includes an imaging lens 552 that causes a subjectimage to be formed on the instant film 10 of the instant film pack 1loaded in the loading chamber 520, a stop 554 that adjusts the intensityof light passing through the imaging lens 552, and a shutter 556 thatadjusts an exposure time. The imaging lens 552 includes a focus lens,and adjusts a focus by moving back and forth the focus lens along anoptical axis.

The lens driving section 560 drives the lens section 550 according to acommand from the controller 590. That is, the lens driving section 560moves back and forth the focus lens along the optical axis. Further, thelens driving section 560 expands or contracts the diameter of the stop554. In addition, the lens driving section 560 opens or closes theshutter 556.

The operating section 570 is provided to perform various operations withrespect to the analog-type instant camera 500. The operating section 570includes operating members such as a shutter button or an operatingbutton, and outputs information based on operations of the operatingmembers to the controller 590.

The display section 580 displays a setting of the analog-type instantcamera 500, the number of captured images, an operating status, awarning, or the like. The display section 580 includes a displayconfigured of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and a drivecircuit thereof, for example.

The controller 590 generally controls the entire operations of theanalog-type instant camera 500. The controller 590 is configured of amicrocomputer, for example.

<Operation>

In order to prevent exposure of the instant film 10, the instant filmpack 1 is loaded in the loading chamber 520 in a state where the filmcover 60 is mounted.

In the analog-type instant camera 500, imaging is performed byirradiating the instant film 10 in the case with light from the imaginglens 552. Accordingly, in the analog-type instant camera 500, in a casewhere the instant film pack 1 is loaded in the loading chamber 520, thedischarge process of the film cover 60 is performed. The discharge ofthe film cover 60 is performed using the claw 532 as follows.

In a case where the instant film pack 1 is loaded in the loading chamber520, and then, the loading chamber cover 522 is closed, the claw 532starts to move along the discharge direction. The claw 532 enters thecase through the claw opening portion 32. The claw 532 that enters thecase is moved within a range that exceeds the range of the notchedportion 62 of the film cover 60. Thus, the film cover 60 is pressed outby the claw 532, and is discharged through the discharge port 28. Theclaw 532 is moved up to a predetermined position, and then, returns toan original position.

In synchronization with the movement of the claw 532, the transportsection 540 is driven. The transport section 540 receives the film cover60 discharged through the discharge port 28 of the case 20, anddischarges the film cover 60 to the outside of the device.

Hence, the discharge process of the film cover 60 is completed. Then,imaging is possible. The imaging is performed by pressing the shutterbutton.

In a case where the shutter button is pressed, the instant film 10disposed at the topmost position in the case is exposed. After theexposure, the discharge process of the exposed instant film pack 1 isperformed. The discharge of the instant film 10 is performed using theclaw 532 as follows.

In a case where exposure is completed, the claw 532 starts to move alongthe discharge direction. The claw 532 enters the case through the clawopening portion 32. The exposed instant film 10 is pressed out by theclaw 532 that enters the case to be discharged through the dischargeport 28. The claw 532 is moved up to a predetermined position, and then,returns to the original position. Here, the amount of movement of theclaw 532 is set to be shorter than the amount of movement in thedischarge of the film cover.

In synchronization with the movement of the claw 532, the transportsection 540 is driven. The transport section 540 receives the film cover60 discharged through the discharge port 28 of the case 20, anddischarges the film cover 60 to the outside of the device. The instantfilm 10 is spread by a development processing liquid by the spreadingroller pair 546 to be developed in a process of being transported by thetransport section 540.

As described above, according to the analog-type instant camera 500 ofthis embodiment, the film cover 60 is removed, and then, the instantfilm pack 1 may be used.

In a case where the instant film pack 1α of the second embodiment isused, the following claw is used as the claw 532 of the dischargesection 530. That is, a claw having a thickness greater than the widthof the notched portion 62 and smaller than the width of the claw openingportion 32 is used. In this case, it is not necessary that the amount ofmovement of the claw in the discharge of the film cover 60 and theamount of movement of the claw in the discharge of the instant film 10are different from each other.

<Printer in which Film Cover is Removed>

<Configuration>

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer inwhich a film cover is removed. In FIG. 32, the direction indicated usingthe arrow f is the discharge direction of the instant film 10. FIG. 33is a block diagram showing a control system of the printer.

A printer 200α of this example moves an exposure head 272 to record animage on the instant film 10 in the case. Accordingly, it is necessaryto remove the film cover 60 in use.

Except that the exposure head 272 is movably provided and the film cover60 is removed to use the instant film pack 1, the configuration of theprinter 200α is the same as the above-described configuration of theprinter 200. Accordingly, only different points will be describedhereinafter.

The exposure head 272 is movably mounted in a carriage 276. The carriage276 is supported to be movable along the discharge direction of theinstant film 10.

A carriage driving section 278 that moves the carriage 276 is providedin the printer 200 a. The carriage driving section 278 moves thecarriage 276 along the discharge direction of the instant film 10. Thecarriage driving section 278 includes a motor, and a power transmissionmechanism that converts rotation of the motor into linear motion andtransmits the linear motion to the carriage 276.

<Operation>

In order to prevent exposure of the instant film 10, the instant filmpack 1 is loaded in the loading chamber 220 in a state where the filmcover 60 is mounted. In a case where the instant film pack 1 is loadedin the loading chamber 220, the discharge process of the film cover 60is performed. The process of discharging the film cover 60 is performedusing the claw 232 as follows.

In a case where the instant film pack 1 is loaded in the loading chamber220 and the loading chamber cover 222 is closed, the claw 232 starts tomove along the discharge direction. The claw 232 enters the case throughthe claw opening portion 32. The claw 232 that enters the case is movedwithin a range that exceeds the range of the notched portion 62 of thefilm cover 60. Thus, the film cover 60 is pressed out by the claw 232,and is discharged through the discharge port 28. The claw 232 is movedup to a predetermined position, and then, returns to the originalposition.

In synchronization with the movement of the claw 232, the transportsection 240 is driven. The transport section 240 receives the film cover60 discharged through the discharge port 28 of the case 20, anddischarges the film cover 60 to the outside of the device.

Hence, the discharge process of the film cover 60 is completed. Then,printing is possible.

In a case where image data of an image to be recorded on the instantfilm 10 is acquired by the image data acquisition section 250 and aprinting instruction is given through the operating section 280, aprinting process is started.

First, print data of an image to be printed is generated by the printdata generator 260.

After the print data is generated, the carriage driving section 278 isdriven, and then, the carriage 276 starts to move at a predeterminedspeed. In synchronization with the movement of the carriage 276, theexposure head 272 is driven, and an image is recorded on the instantfilm 10.

In a case where the recording of the image is completed, the carriage276 returns to the original position. At the same time, the dischargesection 230 is driven, and then, the instant film 10 on which the imageis recorded is discharged from the case 20. The discharge section 230moves the claw 232 along the discharge direction, and causes the claw232 to enter the case, to thereby discharge the instant film 10.

The transport section 240 is driven in synchronization with thedischarge of the instant film 10 in the discharge section 230. Thetransport section 240 receives the instant film 10 discharged throughthe discharge port 28 of the case 20, and discharges the instant film10. The instant film 10 on which the image is recorded is spread by adevelopment processing liquid by the spreading roller pair 246 to bedeveloped in a process of being transported by the transport section240. Further, the developed instant film 10 is discharged from thehousing 210.

As described above, according to the printer 200 of this embodiment, itis possible to use the instant film pack 1 in a state where the filmcover 60 is removed.

In a case where the instant film pack 1α of the second embodiment isused, a claw having a thickness greater than the width of the notchedportion 62 and smaller than the width of the claw opening portion 32 isused. In this case, it is not necessary that the amount of movement ofthe claw varies in discharge of the film cover 60 and in discharge ofthe instant film 10.

Further, the printer may be provided with a digital camera section to beconfigured as a digital camera with a printer. Further, printer may beprovided with a scanner function to be configured as a scanner with aprinter.

Other Embodiments

In the above-described embodiments, the claw opening portion is disposedin the vicinity of the end portion of the case in the width direction(the direction perpendicular to the discharge direction of the instantfilm), but a position where the claw opening portion is disposed is notlimited thereto. For example, the position may be the center of the casein the width direction.

Further, the claw opening portion may be provided at a plurality oflocations of the case. In this case, the notched portion may be providedat a plurality of locations of the film cover to correspond to the clawopening portions.

In addition, in the above-described embodiments, a structure in whichthe instant film and the film cover are discharged using one claw isused, but a structure in which the instant film and the film cover aredischarged using a plurality of claws may be used.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, a structure in which theinstant film and the film cover are pressed out using a claw is used,but a structure in which the instant film and the film cover are pulledout using a claw may be used.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, a plurality of instantfilms are accommodated in the case, but a structure in which only oneinstant film is accommodated in the case may be used.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES

-   -   1: instant film pack    -   1α: instant film pack    -   10: instant film    -   10 a: exposure surface    -   10 b: observation surface    -   12: exposure portion    -   14: pod portion    -   14 a: development processing liquid pod    -   16: trap portion    -   16 a: absorption material    -   18: observation portion    -   20: case    -   22: case body    -   22 a: front surface portion    -   22 b: upper surface portion    -   22 c: bottom portion    -   24: case cover    -   26: exposure opening portion    -   28: discharge port    -   30: case flap member    -   32: claw opening portion    -   32 a: inlet    -   32 b: passage portion    -   34: film cover mounting portion    -   34 a: rail    -   36: uplifting member inserting portion    -   38: film support portion    -   40: light shielding sheet mounting portion    -   50: light shielding sheet    -   52: first light shielding sheet    -   52 a: cut portion    -   52 b: fixing portion    -   54: second light shielding sheet    -   60: film cover    -   62: notched portion    -   64: film cover skirt member    -   64 a: skirt portion    -   100: discharge mechanism    -   110: claw    -   110 a: insertion portion    -   110 aα: insertion portion    -   110 aβ: insertion portion    -   110 b: concave portion    -   110α: first claw    -   110β: second claw    -   112: claw driving section    -   200: printer    -   200α: printer    -   210: housing    -   220: loading chamber    -   222: loading chamber cover    -   224: uplifting member    -   230: discharge section    -   232: claw    -   234: claw driving section    -   240: transport section    -   242: transport roller pair    -   242 a: transport driving roller    -   242 b: transport driven roller    -   244: transport roller pair driving section    -   246: spreading roller pair    -   246 a: spreading driving roller    -   246 b: spreading driven roller    -   248: spreading roller pair driving section    -   250: image data acquisition section    -   260: print data generator    -   270: recording section    -   272: exposure head    -   274: exposure head driving section    -   276: carriage    -   278: carriage driving section    -   280: operating section    -   290: display section    -   292: main display    -   300: storage section    -   310: controller    -   400: digital camera    -   420: lens section    -   422: imaging lens    -   424: stop    -   426: shutter    -   430: lens driving section    -   440: image sensor    -   450: image sensor driving section    -   460: image data generator    -   500: instant camera    -   510: housing    -   520: loading chamber    -   522: loading chamber cover    -   524: uplifting member    -   530: discharge section    -   532: claw    -   534: claw driving section    -   540: transport section    -   542: transport roller pair    -   542 a: transport driving roller    -   542 b: transport driven roller    -   544: transport roller pair driving section    -   546: spreading roller pair    -   546 a: spreading driving roller    -   546 b: spreading driven roller    -   548: spreading roller pair driving section    -   550: lens section    -   552: imaging lens    -   554: stop    -   556: shutter    -   560: lens driving section    -   570: operating section    -   580: display section    -   590: controller    -   F: feeding direction of instant film    -   f: discharge direction of instant film    -   x: range of notched portion

What is claimed is:
 1. An instant film pack comprising: an instant film;a case that accommodates the instant film, and includes an exposureopening portion for exposing an exposure region of the instant film, adischarge port for discharging the instant film, and a claw openingportion for inserting a claw; and a film cover that is mounted in thecase, is dark enough to shield the instant film from being exposed bythe light from the exposure opening portion, and includes a notchedportion continuous to the claw opening portion, wherein the notchedportion is configured such that only the instant film is discharged in acase where the claw moves within a range of the notched portion, and thefilm cover remains in the case.
 2. The instant film pack according toclaim 1, wherein the notched portion has a width narrower than that ofthe claw opening portion.
 3. The instant film pack according to claim 1,further comprising: a light shielding member that shields light from theclaw opening portion and the notched portion.
 4. The instant film packaccording to claim 2, further comprising: a light shielding member thatshields light from the claw opening portion and the notched portion. 5.The instant film pack according to claim 3, wherein the light shieldingmember is configured to be capable of being cut, and is cut by the clawas the claw is inserted into the claw opening portion and the notchedportion.
 6. The instant film pack according to claim 4, wherein thelight shielding member is configured to be capable of being cut, and iscut by the claw as the claw is inserted into the claw opening portionand the notched portion.
 7. The instant film pack according to claim 3,wherein the light shielding member is configured to be deformable, andis deformed by being pressed by the claw as the claw is inserted intothe claw opening portion and the notched portion.
 8. The instant filmpack according to claim 4, wherein the light shielding member isconfigured to be deformable, and is deformed by being pressed by theclaw as the claw is inserted into the claw opening portion and thenotched portion.
 9. The instant film pack according to claim 3, whereinthe light shielding member is configured to be movable, and is moved bybeing pressed by the claw as the claw is inserted into the claw openingportion and the notched portion.
 10. The instant film pack according toclaim 4, wherein the light shielding member is configured to be movable,and is moved by being pressed by the claw as the claw is inserted intothe claw opening portion and the notched portion.
 11. The instant filmpack according to claim 1, wherein the film cover is disposed in thecase, and is discharged through the discharge port.
 12. The instant filmpack according to claim 2, wherein the film cover is disposed in thecase, and is discharged through the discharge port.
 13. The instant filmpack according to claim 3, wherein the film cover is disposed in thecase, and is discharged through the discharge port.
 14. The instant filmpack according to claim 7, wherein the film cover is disposed in thecase, and is discharged through the discharge port.
 15. The instant filmpack according to claim 9, wherein the film cover is disposed in thecase, and is discharged through the discharge port.
 16. The instant filmpack according to claim 11, wherein the film cover is disposed tooverlap the instant film.
 17. An image recording device comprising: aloading chamber in which the instant film pack according to claim 1 isloaded; a discharge section that discharges only the instant film fromthe instant film pack loaded in the loading chamber using the claw, thedischarge section discharging the instant film by inserting the clawinto the case through the claw opening portion and moving the clawwithin a range of the notched portion; a transport section thattransports the instant film discharged by the discharge section; animage data acquisition section that acquires image data; and an exposurehead that records an image represented by the image data on the instantfilm transported by the transport section.
 18. The image recordingdevice according to claim 17, further comprising: a digital camerasection that captures an image using an image sensor, wherein the imagedata acquisition section acquires image data generated by the digitalcamera section.
 19. An image recording device comprising: a loadingchamber in which the instant film pack according to claim 1 is loaded; adischarge section that discharges the instant film and the film coverfrom the instant film pack loaded in the loading chamber using the claw,and in a case where the film cover is discharged, the discharge sectiondischarges the film cover by inserting the claw into the case throughthe claw opening portion and moving the claw within a range that exceedsa range of the notched portion; a lens that forms a subject image on theinstant film of the instant film pack loaded in the loading chamber; anda transport section that transports the instant film and the film coverdischarged by the discharge section.
 20. An image recording devicecomprising: a loading chamber in which the instant film pack accordingto claim 2 is loaded; a discharge section that discharges the instantfilm and the film cover from the instant film pack loaded in the loadingchamber using the claw having a thickness greater than the width of thenotched portion; a lens that forms a subject image on the instant filmof the instant film pack loaded in the loading chamber; and a transportsection that transports the instant film and the film cover dischargedby the discharge section.